System for the Monitoring and Maintenance of Remote Autonomously Powered Lighting Installations

ABSTRACT

A system of monitoring and/or maintaining remotely located autonomously powered lights, security systems, parking meters, and the like is operable to receive data signals from a number of the devices, and provide a comparison with other similar  devices in the same geographic region to detect a default condition of a particular device, and/or assess whether the defect is environmental or particular to the specific device itself. The system includes memory for storing operating parameters and data, and outputs modified control commands to the devices in response to sensed performance, past performance and/or self-learning algorithms. The system operates to provide for the monitoring and/or control of individual device operating parameters on an individual or regional basis, over preset periods.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of a U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/507,318, filed 21 Jun. 2013.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for the remote monitoring ofan autonomous power generating apparatus, and more particularly a systemfor the monitoring and maintenance of remote lighting and/or security orvideo installations which may be photovoltaic, wind turbine and/or otherdirect current source powered.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of powered lighting installations is becoming more and moreprevalent. Such installations have proven highly effective, particularlywhen used in remote locations where conventional electrical grid accessis not commercially feasible.

Various third parties, such as U.S. Patent Publication No. US20100029268 A1 to Myer, published 4 Feb. 2010, have disclosed systemsfor monitoring and controlling solar powered light installationsremotely. In the system developed by Myer, a number of solar poweredlight poles are provided to wirelessly transmit and receive from aremote controller, information relating to grid usage and/or poweroutages. The remote controller may be used to activate LED lights on thepoles and/or if connected to the grid, supply photovoltaic generatedpower back into the grid in the case of high load applications.

The applicant has appreciated, however, that by their nature, theinstallation of remotely located solar and/or wind powered lighting andother autonomously powered installations presents a unique problem fromthe point of view of servicing. With conventional solar installationmonitoring systems, when a fault or low performance signal istransmitted from a particular solar light pole, the remote location ofthe solar light pole prevents, on a cost efficiency basis, servicetechnicians from undertaking an initial on-site visit to diagnose theproblem. As a result, the manufacturer/maintenance organization will inthe first instance, forward replacement parts or components to rectifythe perceived “defect”. As a result, light pole repairs are oftenundertaken which are either inefficient or unnecessary where, forexample, low power output or insufficient battery charge results fromenvironmental conditions, such as prolonged periods of cloud cover, ordirt or other organic growth covering photovoltaic cells or otherelectricity generating components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides for a system of monitoringand/or maintaining remotely located autonomously powered devices. Suchdevices may include, without restriction, photovoltaic and/or windpowered lights, security systems (video cameras, motion detectors,and/or infra-red lights), parking meters, charging stations, bike rentalplatforms and/or cellular or radio transmitters, as well as other windturbine or power generation installations.

In one mode of operation, the system is operable to receive data signalsfrom a number of the devices, and on detecting a default condition of aparticular device, provide a comparison with other similar devices inthe same geographic region to assess whether the defect is in factenvironmental to devices in a given geographic region, or ratherparticular to the specific device itself. In another mode of operation,the system is operable to receive data signals from a number of thedevices, and on detecting a default condition of a particular device,provide a comparison with other devices of similar technical andsituational configuration (across multiple geographies) to assesswhether the defect is in fact environmental to components of devices ofa given configuration, or rather particular to the specific deviceitself. In a most preferred mode, data is received and analyzed by asuitable controller such as a processor, and most preferably wirelesslyby a central processor which is used in the monitoring and control of anumber of separate geographically remote installation sites.

Another mode of the invention provides a system for the monitoringand/or control of an array of autonomous self-powered devices, such assolar and/or wind powered lights, security cameras, display boards,environmental sensors, telecommunications and the like, and which aretypically powered at least in part, by a rechargeable battery or fuelcell (hereinafter the battery). The system is operable to provide forthe monitoring and/or control of individual device operating parameterson an individual basis, on a regional basis, or through other groupingssuch as technical parameters (e.g. by versions of technology) over apreset period of time for day to day operational control, prescheduledmaintenance, preventive maintenance, emergency maintenance and lifecycle maximization. Although not essential, more preferably, the systemincludes memory for storing such operating parameters and data. Thesystem may in one embodiment, thus, provide for self-learning algorithmsfrom an analysis of past data, extrapolate future device operatingperformance expectations and/or parameters, and output modified controlcommands to the devices in response to the past performance and/orself-learning algorithms remotely.

In yet another possible mode of control data to the individual solarlights or other load sources of each installation site is weighted oradjusted having regard to either short term projected weather forecastsor events and/or projected seasonal average or long term forecasts.

In one possible embodiment, environmental conditions such as earlierweather events (sun position, temperature, UV intensity, fog, snow,etc.) are logged and compared against past site power generation and/orload performance. The generation and/or load data is then stored as partof a predictive model to anticipate similar generation and/or loadperformance values for like weather events moving forward. In a mostpreferred embodiment, the current operational performance of a siteinstallation is weighted by having regard to past performance duringsuch events and/or controlled predictively having regard tofuture/current events.

By way of non-limiting example, where a short term forecast for aninstallation site at a particular geographic region predicts an upcomingperiod of inclement weather or rain and cloud cover with high windvelocities, and which for example is characterized as likely to resultin increased power generation by the installation site wind turbines,control signals may be sent to the installation site to operation powerload with increased output intensity and/or time of operation to reflectthe reduced visibility during times of increased power output fromturbine generators.

Similarly where short term forecast data is provided which is indicativeof a predicted time period of both lower wind velocity and solar energygeneration, as for example on the occurrence of fog and/or extendedperiods of rain in the absence of significant winds, a control signalmay be output to the installation to reduce the operation times and/orintensity of the loads, as for example by reducing the lumen output ofsolar lights and/or their activation times to reflect any reducedre-charging.

In addition to short term environmental factors, the output control tothe load devices at each installation site may also be regulated byevents such as seasonal environmental and/or weather trend factors. Byway of example, in northern latitude regions in the spring and fallwhich are typically characterized by periods of sustained increasedwinds, the controller may be used to provide control the output loads toincrease power output, provide overall brighter lighting and/or longerperiods of operation either before complete sunset and/or after completesunrise, and which would reflect the increased battery recharge capacityattributable to increased wind turbine efficiencies. Similarly duringseasonal periods of reduced sunlight exposure and/or the increasedtangential impact of solar relative to the solar panel, the controllermay be used to provide signals to control the system to provide for theintermittent, selective and/or shortened operation of individual loaddevices, reduce the overall load intensity of the installation siteand/or output times to reflect slower battery recharge capacity.

According to various non-limiting embodiments, the present inventionresides in at least the following aspects:

1. A maintenance monitoring system for monitoring an operating status ofelectrical loads and operating parameters of a plurality of autonomouslypowered discrete devices, said discrete devices being disposed as partof an array located at a first geographic region, the system furtherincluding a processing device provided in a second geographic regionremote from said first region, each discrete device comprising at leastone associated electric load, a generator for generating electricity, abattery for storing electricity produced by said generator and providingelectric power to said at least one associated load, a device controllerfor regulating or controlling a flow of electric power from saidgenerator to said battery and from said battery to said at least oneassociated load, and a data transmission assembly operable to transmitoutput data representative of the operating parameters of each of thepower generation performance, the battery storage or dischargeperformance and the at least one associated load, memory for storingsaid output data of each said discrete device in said array, theprocessing device being actuable to: compile said output data stored insaid memory to determine a regional operating profile for said array forat least one of average power generation performance and average batterystorage or discharge performance over a selected period of time, andcompile said output data stored in said memory to determine deviceoperating profiles for a selected one of said discrete devices for atleast one device power generation performance, and device batterystorage or discharge performance over said selected period of time,compare at least one said regional operating profile and at least onesaid device operating profile, and output a data signal if the compareddevice operating profile falls outside a predetermined thresholddifference from the at least one said regional operating profile, thedata signal being indicative of a potential maintenance requirement forsaid selected discrete device.

2. A maintenance monitoring system for a solar light installation, thesystem comprising, a solar light array comprising a plurality ofdiscretely powered solar light poles operationally disposed in a firstgeographic region, a processing assembly being disposed in a secondgeographic region remote from said first region, and memory, each solarlight pole having a power generator including at least one photovoltaicpanel, a light providing an electrical load, a battery for receiving andstoring electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel, a polecontroller for controlling the power charging and discharge of thebattery and at least one of the operating time and intensity of saidlight, at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of ananemometer, a photovoltaic sensor, a pollution sensor, a wind vane, anenvironmental sensor and a battery temperate sensor and a datatransmission assembly operable to wirelessly communicate output databoth from said at least one sensor and data representative of the powergenerator performance and battery charging and discharge performance,the memory provided for storing the output data for each light pole inthe solar light array, the processing assembly being actuable to:compile said output data stored in said memory to determine a regionaloperating profile for said array for at least one of aggregate powergeneration performance and aggregate battery storage or dischargeperformance over a selected period of time, and compile said output datastored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for aselected one of said discrete devices for at least one device powergeneration performance, and device battery storage or dischargeperformance over said selected period of time, compare at least one saidregional operating profile and at least one said device operatingprofile, and output a data signal if the compared device operatingprofile falls outside a predetermined threshold difference from the atleast one said regional operating profile, the data signal beingindicative of a potential maintenance requirement for said selecteddiscrete device.

3. A system for monitoring an operating status of a plurality ofautonomously powered discrete devices, devices selected from one or moreof the group consisting of light poles, security camera installations,parking meters, charging stations, bike rental platforms, displayboards, environmental sensors, and telecommunication installations, saiddiscrete devices being disposed in an array located at a firstgeographic region, the system further including a processing assemblyprovided at a second geographic region remote from said first region,each discrete device comprising a plurality of associated electricloads, a generator for generating electricity, a battery for storingelectricity produced by said generator and providing electric power tosaid plurality of loads, a device controller for controlling a flow ofcharging electric power from said generator to said battery anddischarge power from said battery to said electric loads, and a datatransmission assembly, the data transmission assembly being operable totransmit output data representative of the operating parameters of thepower generation performance of the generator, the storage or dischargeperformance of the battery and the load status of the associatedelectric loads, memory for storing said output data from each saiddiscrete device in said array, and the processing assembly is operableto: compile said output data stored in said memory to determine regionaloperating profiles for aggregate power generation performance of saidarray and aggregate battery storage and/or discharge performance of saidarray over a selected period of time, and compile said output datastored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for aselected one of said discrete devices for device power generationperformance of selected device, and device battery storage or dischargeperformance for the selected device over said selected period of time,compare at least one said regional operating profile and at least onesaid device operating profile, and output a data signal if the compareddevice operating profile falls outside a predetermined thresholddifference from the at least one said regional operating profile.

4. A maintenance monitoring system for monitoring an operating status ofelectrical loads and operating parameters of a plurality of autonomouslypowered discrete devices, said discrete devices being disposed as partof an array located at a first geographic region, the system furtherincluding a processing device provided in a second geographic regionremote from said first region, each discrete device comprising at leastone associated electric load, a generator for generating electricity, abattery for storing electricity produced by said generator and providingelectric power to said at least one associated load, a device controllerfor regulating or controlling a flow of electric power from saidgenerator to said battery and from said battery to said at least oneassociated load, and a data transmission assembly operable to transmitoutput data representative of the operating parameters of each of thepower generation performance, the battery storage or dischargeperformance and the at least one associated load, the data transmissionassembly being operable to receive input control signals to at least onesaid discrete device to effect a change in said flow of electricity bysaid device controller, memory for storing said output data of each saiddiscrete device in said array, the processing device being actuable to:compile said output data stored in said memory to determine a regionaloperating profile for said array for at least one of average powergeneration performance and average battery storage or dischargeperformance over a selected period of time, compile said output datastored in said memory to determine device operating profiles for aselected one of said discrete devices for at least one device powergeneration performance, and device battery storage or dischargeperformance over said selected period of time, compare at least one saidregional operating profile and at least one said device operatingprofile, and the processing device being operable to output said inputdevice control signals to the selected discrete device in response to atleast one of the compared at least one regional operating profile andthe at least one device operating profile, and the compiledenvironmental data.

5. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theaggregate power generation performance and/or aggregate battery storageor discharge performance is calculated as one or more of an averageperformance, a mean performance, a median performance and/or a projectedor calculated trend performance.

6. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein eachdiscrete device includes a plurality of said electric loads, theelectric loads comprising at least one of an LED light, a securitycamera, a bicycle charging stand, or parking meter.

7. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thedata transmission assembly is operable to receive and transmit to saiddevice controller input device control signals for controlling the poweroutput of said generator or said battery.

8. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thegenerator includes a photovoltaic generator comprising a plurality ofsolar panels.

9. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspect, wherein thegenerator comprises a combination wind/solar generator including atleast one wind turbine and at least one solar panel.

10. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thememory stores further output data representative of the operatingparameters of each of the power generation performance and batterystorage or discharge performance of a plurality of said discrete devicesprovided as part of a further array, said further array being disposedat a third geographic location remote from said first geographiclocation, the processing device being actuable to compile said furtheroutput data to determine additional regional operating profiles for saidfurther array, and compare the additional regional operating profilesand at least one of the regional operating profile and the at least onedevice operating profile.

11. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thediscrete devices comprise solar powered lamp posts and the at least oneassociated load includes at least one light.

12. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theprocessing device is operable to output input device control signals tothe selected discrete device in response to the output data signal.

13. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theoutput data signal is indicative of at least one of a fault and/orfailure of at least one of said generator, said battery and saidassociated load in the selected discrete device.

14. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, comprising aplurality of further arrays located in further geographic regions remotefrom said first geographic region, each further array comprising aplurality of associated autonomously powered discrete devices, saidmemory storing further output data representative of the operatingparameters of the power generation performance and the battery storageand discharge performance of the associated discrete devices, theprocessing device operable to compile some or all of the data from saidfurther arrays over a second selected period of time to determinefurther regional operating profiles, compare the regional operatingprofile with selected ones of said further regional operating profiles,and output a further data signal if the regional operating profile fallsoutside a predetermined threshold difference from the selected furtherregional operating profiles.

15. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing assembly is further operable to effect the transmission ofprogramming signals to the device controller of said selected discretedevices to modify at least one operating configuration selected from thegroup consisting of a configuration of said generator, a chargingschedule of said battery, a level of power flowing to said at least oneassociated load, and an operating schedule of said associated load.

16. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theautonomously powered discrete devices comprise security installationsand the at least one associated load is selected from the groupconsisting of a video sensing camera, an infrared light sensor, and amotion detector.

17. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidoutput data signal is selected to provide a distinction betweenoperation anomalies resulting from environmental conditions andoperation anomalies that result of a hardware failure.

18. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidoutput data signal is provided as an indication of scheduled maintenanceand/or inspection requirements of said selected discrete device.

19. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saiddiscrete devices are selected from the group consisting of parkingmeters, charging stations, bike rental platforms, display boards,environmental sensors, and telecommunication installations.

20. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein atleast one of said discrete devices in said array further comprisesenvironmental sensors for detecting at least one environmental parameterselected from the group consisting of temperature, air movement, andlight intensity, said data transmission assembly being further operableto transmit data representative of said environmental parameters forstorage in said memory.

21. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saiddata transmission assembly comprises a transmitter selected from thegroup consisting of Zigbee, cellular, Ethernet, and WiFi.

22. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing device is further operable to effect the transmission oftesting signals to said discrete devices so as to cause said discretedevices to perform voltage tests and/or short circuit tests.

23. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidoutput data signal is selected to provide an indication of an operationanomaly resulting from improper installation of said selected discretedevice.

24. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidpredetermined threshold is adjustable on the basis of a performancehistory of the maintenance monitoring system and/or an operating historyof the discrete devices.

25. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thepole controller is a programmable controller, the processing assemblyoperable to transmit programme instructions to the data transmissionassembly to re-programme the light controller of at least one of said ofsaid solar powered lights, and the aggregate power generationperformance and/or aggregate battery storage or discharge performance iscalculated as one or more of an average performance, a mean performance,a median performance, and a projected trend performance.

26. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theprocessing assembly is operable to transmit said programme instructionsto the selected light pole in response to the output signal.

27. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thesolar powered light array comprises at least ten said light poles, andsaid first geographic region comprises an area of at least 0.5 hectares,the processing assembly and memory being disposed at geographic regionsat least 100 km from the first geographic region.

28. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein theelectric loads comprise at least one of an LED light, a security camera,a bicycle charging stand, a parking meter, a display, and a wirelesstelecommunication transmitter, and the aggregate power generationperformance and/or aggregate battery storage or discharge performance iscalculated as one or more of an average performance, a mean performance,a median performance, and a projected trend performance.

29. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thedata transmission assembly is operable to receive and transmit to saiddevice controller input device control signals for controlling the poweroutput of said generator or said battery, the generator including atleast one solar panel and at least one wind turbine generator.

30. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein thememory stores further output data representative of the operatingparameters of the power generation performance, battery storage and/orbattery discharge performance of a plurality of said discrete devicesprovided in a further array, said further array being disposed at athird geographic location remote from both of said first and secondgeographic locations, the processing assembly being actuable to compilesaid further output data to determine additional regional operatingprofiles for said further array, and compare the additional regionaloperating profiles and at least one of said regional operating profileand the compared device operating profile.

31. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing assembly is further operable to effect the transmission ofprogramming signals to the device controller of said selected discretedevices to modify at least one operating configuration selected from thegroup consisting of a configuration of said generator, a chargingschedule of said battery, a level of power flowing to at least one saidassociated loads, and an operating schedule of at least one of saidassociated loads.

32. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidoutput data signal is selected to provide a distinction betweenoperation anomalies in said discrete device resulting from environmentalconditions and operation anomalies that result of a hardware failure.

33. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing device being actuable to receive predictive near-term weatherdata for said first geographic region, and further wherein saidprocessing device signals said data transmission assembly to transmit tosaid device controller input device programming signals in response tothe received predictive near-term weather data.

34. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing device being actuable to receive and/or store predictiveseasonal environmental data for said first geographic region, whereinsaid processing device signals said data transmission assembly totransmit programming signals to said device controller input device inresponse to said predictive seasonal data.

35. A system according to any one of the foregoing aspects, wherein saidprocessing device is actuable to receive data selected from the groupconsisting of predictive near-term weather data for the first geographicregion and predictive seasonal environmental data for the firstgeographic region, and wherein said processing device further outputsprogramming signals to the data transmission assembly to effect a changein the regional operating profile for said array in response to saidreceived environmental data.

36. A method for using a system in accordance with any of the foregoingaspects further wherein one or more conditions and/or events are loggedand compared against at least one of theoretical power generation and/orload, past power generation and/or load and remote installation powergeneration and/or made for conditions or events to analyze currentoperational performance and/or a predictive model performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be had to the following detailed description takentogether with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a system for the monitoring and maintenanceof a remotely located autonomously powered lighting installation inaccordance with a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically an autonomously powered light pole foruse in the installation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a light pole communication andmonitoring controller used to regulate power storage and/or power tolight pole loads;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing the monitoring and maintenancecontrol logic for the autonomously powered lighting installation of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an autonomously powered lighting and security camerapole for use in the installation of FIG. 1 in accordance with a furtherembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a security pole communication andmonitoring controller used to regulate power storage and/or power tosecurity pole loads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference may be had to FIG. 1 which illustrates schematically amonitoring, control and maintenance system 10 for remotely locatedautonomously powered lighting, security/video, monitoring (weather,environmental (including pollution), industrial (flow, sewage, water) ortelecommunications (cellular, WiFi, etc.) installation systems. In theembodiment shown, the system 10 includes an autonomously powered lightpole array 12, a central processing unit (CPU) 14 for receivingoperational data signals from and providing central signals to the array12 and a data storage repository 16. The light pole array 12, centralprocessing unit 14 and data storage repository 16 are most preferablyprovided in wireless electronic communication by a suitable cellular,Zigbee or WiFi communications network 18.

The light pole array 12 preferably consists of a number of autonomouslypowered light poles 20 which are installed for operations at ageographic location remote from the CPU 14. The light poles 20 formingeach array 12 may optionally include at least one telecommunicationsaggregator pole 20′, as well as a number of conventional poles 20. Inparticular, by reason of their autonomous power source, the light poles20 are particularly suitable for installation in geographically remoteregions which, for example, may lack conventional power infrastructuresuch as electrical or telephone transmission lines, or even seasonalroads. In this regard, the light pole array 12 may be situated severalhundred or even thousands of kilometers from the CPU 14, not only indeveloped areas, but also along borders or in other geographicallyinaccessible areas.

FIG. 2 shows best the basic design of each light pole 20 using thesystem 10. The poles 20 include an aluminum column 22 which extendsvertically from a hollow base 24. The column 22 is used to mount abovethe ground a pair of LED lights 26 a, 26 b as respective electric loads,as well as a pair of solar or photovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b and a topmounted wind turbine generator 30. A fuel cell or battery 38 is housedwithin the interior of the base. As will be described, the fuel cell 38both receives and stores charging electric current generated by thephotovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b and wind generator 30, and supplies adischarge electric current to the LED lights 26 a, 26 b in response tocontrol signals received from a pole communications and monitoringcontroller 42.

The photovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b and wind turbine generator 30 areeach electronically coupled to respective voltage/current sensors 32 a,32 b, 34. The voltage/current sensors 32 a, 32 b, 34 are operable toprovide signals correlated to the voltage and electric current generatedby the panels 28 a, 28 b and wind turbine 30 in real time. In additionto the current sensors 32 a, 32 b, 34, each pole 20 includes additionalsensors for monitoring environmental and/or pole operating parameters.Optionally, a photovoltaic sensor 44 is provided to provide signalsrespecting ambient and/or sun light at each pole location.

Similarly a battery temperature sensor 40 within the interior of thecolumn adjacent to the fuel cell 38 provides data relating to thebattery temperature and/or ambient air temperature. In addition,optionally wind sensors may be provided as either a separate anemometer,or more preferably as part of the turbine generator 30 itself.

FIG. 3 shows best schematically the pole communications and monitoringcontroller 42 as being operable to receive data signals from the sensors32 a, 32 b, 34, 44, 46 and provide control signals to regulate thesupply of charging current from power generation produced by thephotovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b and wind generator 30 to the fuel cell38, as well as battery status and the discharge supply current therefromto the LED lights 26 a, 26 b. Although not essential, most preferably,the communications and monitoring controller 42 further includes signaltransmission and reception capability allowing the communication and/ortransmission data and programming respecting the operating parameters ofthe pole 20, fuel cell 38 and/or load conditions between adjacent poles20 within the light pole array 12 by either Ethernet or serial USBconnections.

The telecommunications aggregator pole 20′ is essentially identical tothe other poles 20, with the exception in that its communications andmonitoring controller 42, which includes a Zigbee, cell, Ethernet, orWIFI transmitter 50 (FIG. 3) configured to upload data and/or receivecontrol programming from the CPU 14 for the entire array 12 via thecellular communications network 18. In one most preferred embodiment,within the light pole array 12, each pole 20 is provided with a Zigbee,cell, or Ethernet transmitter to communicate data to the data storagerepository 16 directly without going through a telecommunicationsaggregator pole 20′. In a more economical construction, however, asingle telecommunications aggregator light pole 20′ is provided with theZigbee or cell transmission capability. The light pole 20′ is adapted toreceive and retransmit data from the remaining light poles 20 within thearray 12 to the cellular communications network.

In a further optional embodiment, the communications and monitorcontroller 42 may also electronically communicate with either astand-alone weather station situated at the remote location, and/ormotion detector or other environmental sensors.

The operation of the system 10 is shown best with reference to FIG. 4.In particular, in a most preferred mode of operation, data from theindividual light poles 20 is uploaded via the cellular communicationsnetwork 18 to a cloud-based processing and data storage repository 16.Although not essential, the use of a central data processing and datastorage repository 16 permits multiple individual users accessing theirown CPU 14 to monitor, assess and affect maintenance requirements on anumber of different geographically remote light pole arrays 12. Inparticular, the communications and monitoring controller 42 of the poles20 in each array 12 monitors inputs from the various sensors 32 a, 32 b,34, 44, 46. This permits the system 10 to collect and monitor datarespecting the voltage and current which is generated by each light pole20, turbine 30 and photovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b, and record data asexternal factors such as temperature, wind and/or sunlight conditions ateach remote region received from the photovoltaic and environmentalsensors 32, 32 b, 34, 44, 46.

The system 10 provides the ability to intelligently change the energyuse of the individual light pole 20 loads under certain conditions toachieve lower maintenance, better performance, higher reliability andmaximize the life cycle of the system.

By way of example, if a weather forecast for the next 10 days may be forcloudy weather, the system 10 may determine not enough sun will bereceived. The CPU 14 proactively manages energy use of the light orother system load to manage through this ‘brown-out’ time period.

Similarly the micro wind environment of specific locations or the sunprofiles of a specific location of the pole 20 dictates lower energygeneration. It is possible to change the energy use to manage it so thatthe system 10 delivers light at reduced hours of operations or dimmedlevels to ensure the system continues to perform.

The system 10 further allows for the analysis of specific device or pole20 performance against all of the other poles 20 (‘calibration in thecloud’). Where on a select pole 20 the solar panels 28 do not operateaccording to the specifications or according to the expected performancerelative to how the other systems are performing, or the battery doesnot meet specified levels, the system can change the energy use to makethe pole 20 perform and meet the life cycle targets.

The life cycle of the poles 20 may evolve and change due to batterydischarges and other stresses. The system 10 allows for recording of thehistory and performance of the system and to evolve the energyuse/charging to maximize the life of the battery. Customization of thebattery charging algorithms based upon environment, application and ageof the system of the specific unit may also be achieved.

Most preferably, the communications and monitoring controller 42includes an internal processor which may pre-filter the collected datato ensure that the individual operating parameters of the light pole 20are performing within a predetermined acceptable range. Where the senseddata determines that power generation and/or load output falls outsidethe pre-selected ranges, the communications and monitoring controller 42may be used to effect power reduction to the loads (i.e. dimming of theLED lamps 26 a, 26 b) and/or adjust the fuel cell 38 charging timeaccordingly.

The data received from the light pole sensors 32 a, 32 b, 34, 44, 46 istransmitted by the communications and monitoring controller 42 by thetelecommunications aggregator pole 20′, for each pole in the array 12via the cellular and/or ZigBee communications network 18 to the datastorage repository 16.

Data respecting the light pole power generation and load usage as wellas environmental data for each pole 20 is stored in the repository 16for each pole 20 of each array 12.

By means of the CPU 14, a system administrator can thus monitor powergeneration for the entire array 12 in aggregate, as well as on anindividual light pole 20 basis. Similarly, environmental, windgeneration and/or photovoltaic conditions can be aggregated for theentire pole array 12 (or part thereof) and compared against individualdata on a selected pole-by-pole basis.

The system 10 thus advantageously allows a user to monitor and controlindividual light poles 20 having regard to not only the individual poleoperating parameters, but also overall environmental conditions.

In one mode, the system 10 is used to monitor and/or control LED lightoperations 26 a, 26 b, and if necessary provide maintenance instructionsas a result for a selected light pole 20. In particular, in the case ofLED lights 26 a, 26 b, initially LED lamps have a tendency to burn withincreased brightness in the first instance, characterized by a reductionin lumen output over time. As such, over the lifespan of a conventionalLED bulb, the bulbs may be initially too bright, and subsequentlyinsufficiently bright for the intended site of installation.

In one preferred mode, the CPU 14 is used to transmit control signals tothe communications and monitoring controller 42 to operate LED lightloads 26 a, 26 b at reduced power levels for an initial pre-selectedperiod. As the lamps in the LED lights 26 a, 26 b age, the CPU 14controls the communications and monitoring controller 42 to increasepower to the lights 26 to compensate for any reduction in performance.

In another embodiment, external data from other sources outside of thesystem 10 may also be loaded into the data storage repository 16 for thepurposes of servicing the pole 20. In one instance, where there is anexternal weather forecast of severe weather with high winds, the CPU 14may by way of communications and monitoring controller 42 modify thepower draw from the wind turbine 30 and configure the turbine 30 to bebest able to withstand a high wind event that could cause a failure tothe system 10.

With the present system 10, the communications and monitoring controller42 will upload to the data storage repository 16 to log historicalprofiles of battery performance. Depending upon the number and rate ofbattery charging and discharging over periods of time, the CPU 14 may byway of the communications and monitoring controller 42 modify thecharging and discharging rate to and from the battery 38 with a view toextending battery life performance. In addition, depending uponenvironmental conditions for the pole array 12 as determined by thephotovoltaic and environmental sensors 36, 46, where, for example, thegeographic region where the light pole array 12 is subject to prolongedperiods of either cloudiness and/or becalmed winds so as to result in areduction of charging power to the battery, the CPU 14 may be used tosignal the communications and monitoring controllers 42 of each lightpole 20 within the light pole array 12 to either dim the output lightintensity of the LED lights 26 a, 26 b and/or their operation time tocompensate for regional environmental anomalies.

The present system 10 therefore allows for the remote troubleshootingand performance testing of the solar panels 28 a, 28 b, as well as thewind turbine 30 for each individual pole 20. Most preferably, the CPU 14is operable to effect control signals to the communications andmonitoring controller 42 to provide remote open voltage tests and remoteshort circuit tests on solar panels 28 a, 28 b. Similar tests for othersystems components are also enable by CPU 14. By assessing the operatingdata stored in the data storage repository 16 for a number of lightpoles 20 and/or light pole arrays 12, it is therefore possible tocompare individual light pole 20 performance across an aggregate numberof poles to filter environmental versus hardware defects. The analysisof the performance of individual light poles 20 as compared to theaggregate of the light pole array 12 advantageously may eliminate and/orreduce needless service calls, particularly in case of the light polearrays 12 which are installed at highly remote or physicallyinaccessible locations. By way of example, typically power line treeremoval is currently undertaken on a ten year cycle, irrespective ofwhether or not an actual determination has been made whether it isneeded. The present system therefore allows a system administrator toassess whether or not a number of light poles 20 in a particular array12 are performing at a substandard level, triggering a call forintelligent maintenance when for example plant growth is adverselyeffecting the solar panel 28 a, 28 b and/or wind turbine 30 operation.It also allows for a system administrator to eliminate a scheduledmaintenance operation in the event that a light pole 20 is operatingaccording to design objectives.

Installation Diagnosis

In a first exemplary mode of operation, the system 10 is used toidentify installation defects where for example solar panels areinstalled in an incorrect orientation or with over shading structures.By comparing individual solar panel degradation within a configurationof multiple panels, and optionally comparing the performance over alonger period of time to take into consideration the seasonal change inpower, the system 10 can identify upcoming potential service issues. Inanother situation, where a visual inspection of pole 20 may indicatepotential shading or other issues, the system may identify that suchdegradation does not affect the overall performance of pole 20 andtherefore, no servicing action is required.

By tracking changing power output levels for each solar panel 28 a, 28 bover the calendar year and the change in sun position, it is possible toidentify incorrectly positioned solar panels 28 a, 28 b and obstructionsarising from seasonal changes by comparing the average solar paneloutput for the geographic population of the solar panel array. It isalso possible to identify individual solar panels 28 a, 28 b thatprovide increasing or decreasing outputs on a seasonal basis. Seasonalchange in solar output provides an indication that the changing azimuthof the sun causes the solar panels 28 a, 28 b to be mis-positioned whereoverlying obstructions may provide shadows.

In the event performance drops below predetermined thresholds, the CPU14 is used to output a maintenance control signal to either a thirdparty maintenance technician or alternately power down pole 20 or alterload power to preserve battery integrity.

Component Failure

In a second exemplary mode of operation, the system 10 is used toidentify component defect or failure for a selected pole 20 within thearray 12. The cloud 16 is used to provide a pooled performance output ofthe array 12, taking into consideration internal and external data pointfactors, on both a calendar and anticipated product lifespan basis. TheCPU 14 is used to identify any individual poles 20 which are providingperformance output parameters, which fall below a preselected thresholdor warranty thresholds from the average performance for the array 12. Ina simplified analysis, individual poles 20, which are operating belowthe predetermined threshold of the array 12, are identified and taggedfor possible maintenance or repair. More preferably, individual pole 20performance as well as array 12 performance is further assessed withrespect to the anticipated degradation rates expected by manufacturer.In this regard, the system 10 advantageously may be used to identifyarrays 12 where environmental factors have affected array 12.

Corresponding assessments may be made with respect to wind turbine 30performance. In measuring turbine performance of an individual pole 20,the CPU 14 may be used to assess data from the cloud 16 to provide anindication of anemometer measured wind speed within the geographicregion of the array 12 or alternatively a portion of the geographicregion. The measured wind speed may be compared against pre-projectedenergy output of the mass performance of the turbines 30 to identify anyindividual turbines 30, which have fallen below acceptable thresholdlevels. In an alternate embodiment, power output data for a selectednumber of pole turbines 30 within a portion of the array 12 is used as areference. Individual turbine 30 output within the sample population isthen assessed for any selected poles 20 which are performing belowoutside threshold tolerance levels. Assessment may be made periodicallyand/or averaged over various time periods based upon certain factors. Inan alternate embodiment, testing may be prescheduled having regard toanticipated optimum wind or environmental conditions, selected toprovide the desired reference output.

In a further exemplary embodiment, battery temperature, depth ofdischarge and frequency of deep discharge for each battery 38 within thearray 12 is recorded and stored within the cloud data repository 16,over time. The depth and frequency discharge data for individualbatteries 38 may thus be compared against averages for the populationand optionally adjusted for manufacturer's anticipated life spandegradation to identify instances where battery 38 performance fallsbelow acceptable performance levels. In this manner, the system 10 maybe used to highlight and isolate individual poles where individualbatteries may be susceptible to individual failure.

Component Life cycle Degradation

In a further exemplary embodiment, the system 10 is operated to monitorand predict ongoing maintenance needs for the array 12 as a whole. Thesystem 12 could be used to assess the performance of the entire array 12against a series of further geographically remote arrays 12; as wellsystem 10 may be used to assess an array 12 of poles 20 against themanufacturer's projected performance having regard to component age.

Scheduled Maintenance

In a further exemplary embodiment, the system 10 may be used to identifyand or predict scheduled maintenance needs for individual light polecomponents such as solar panels 28 a, 28 b, batteries 38, LED lamps 26a, 26 b or other load or energy generation devices.

The CPU 14 may be used to access historical data from the repository 16to monitor the discharge supply current for each pole 20 in theindividual array 12 and/or alternatively other arrays 12 of similarattributes. On a degradation of the discharge supply current for theselected array 12, CPU 14 analysis may, for example, provide anindication of dirt fouling of the solar panels 28 a, 28 b or lights suchthat systems begin to fall under manufacturer's performance projections.Data can be compared with environmental data stored on the repository 16to provide an assessment whether or not solar panel blockage is a resultof cloud or fog conditions or more direct environmental impacts such asdust or snow or alike. In the latter case, the system 10 may be used toprovide a signal to remote maintenance personnel signalling that thesolar panels 28 a, 28 b or lamps 26 a, 26 b may need cleaning or othermaintenance. Alternatively, the system 10 can be signalled to modify theoperation of the system 10 to reduce the discharge power output leveland time ensuring the system 10 continues to perform for a longer periodof time before the maintenance can be scheduled and delivered.

By using data stored in the repository 16 for a number of differentautonomously powered light installations within similar regions, thesystem 10 allows for layout and performance calculations to beundertaken using theoretical calculations from tools such as Homer™. Inparticular, over time the system 10 will gather actual performance datafor the light poles 20 within the array 12 and will permit thecalculations of variance versus theoretical algorithms allowing futuresystems to be designed and/or tailored having regard to the actualmeasured performance data. More preferably, the CPU 14 will allow forthe system 10 to self-learn, permitting the modification of theoreticaladjustments and/or assumptions, as more and more systems 10 are broughtonline.

By the use of the systems 10, it is further possible to generateperformance curves for the individual wind turbine generators 30. Theturbine performance curves can thus permit users to monitor individualturbine power generation for a selected pole 20 as compared to theaverage for the entire pole array 12, allowing for an individualassessment of performance and/or deterioration.

Similarly, the system may be used to provide maintenance warnings orindications of solar or photovoltaic panel deterioration. In particular,as individual photovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b become pitted and damaged,by monitoring the performance of power generated for individual poles 20versus the entire light pole array 12, or even a regional average ofphotovoltaic panels for a particular area, it is possible to assesswhether maintenance and/or panel replacement may be required where powergeneration falls below a pre-selected value.

In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the CPU 14 is operable to accessthird party predictive environmental data including predictive near-termdata such as short term weather forecast data for the coming one tothree weeks (i.e. cloud coverage, wind speeds, etc.); as well aspredictive seasonal data (sunlight, solar intensity, predicted shortterm and/or average seasonal temperature, average wind speeds, averageprecipitation, etc.). In response to the predicted environmental data,the CPU 14 is operable to output control signals via the communicationsand monitoring controller 42, to modify load profiles including one ormore of power intensity and/or time of operation of the lights and thecharging and/or discharging rates to and from the battery

With the embodiment, load profiles can be configured at the light pole20 or device, or through the CPU 14. Either way, the load requirementscan be determined from an energy requirements perspective in order todetermine how much available energy is available on-hand in the eventthat energy generation is anticipated to be problematic due to upcomingweather conditions.

In one possible mode, the CPU 14 determines that the system 10 has anexemplary storage (i.e. five days' worth) of stored energy to operate,assuming the battery 38 is to provide a load profile withoutdegradation, and may be fully recharged by average wind and/or solaroutput over that time period. Where the CPU 14 receives weather datapredicting significant cloud cover approaching for an extended period,the CPU 14 may anticipate situations where the stored available energyon-hand may decrease, and could potentially run out.

With advance weather predictions available on the Internet, and fromthird parties, it is possible to predictively forecast when adverseweather conditions are to occur and adjust the operating parameters ofthe system 10 to extend the amount of energy available, as for examplethrough decreased windows of light operation and/or through dimming ofoperational light sources.

In a mode of implementation an operating matrix for each system 10includes a prediction model for each light 42 or load device based uponits installation GPS coordinates, time, and date. The further north orsouth that a light 42 or device is located will impact the seasonallymaximum amount of energy generated under optimum conditions. A baselevel matrix may thus be utilized by the CPU 14 to determine on whichdays the system 10 can be expected to fully recharge batteries 38, aswell as predict situations where battery charging can be compromised.

The matrix can furthermore be utilized with other diagnosticapplications, as for example to determine when the system 10 is notperforming as expected. It can also be utilized from a sizingperspective to design new installations to meet the changing light foreach individual location, and/or provide diagnosis warning of postinstallation growth, obstruction, or building that was not present whenthe system 10 was installed and/or when solar panels 28 a, 28 b needcleaning due to buildup of materials on the surface of the panel (morenoticeable in southern climates where solar panels are angled morehorizontally in nature).

In one possible monitoring mode, the light poles 20 continuouslytransmit telemetry data to the CPU 14 on a user-configurable schedule.This information may for example include information about monitorsensor activation, low voltage disconnects, low voltage reconnects, etc.The light pole array data is sued by the CPU 14 for predictive analysisof the normal operating environment for each light pole 20 and/or thearray 12. In situations where a motion sensor is included, the CPU 14could collect data and determine whether the motion sensor activatesrepeatedly between pre-set period (i.e. the hours of 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.at an office location) which can be used to accurately predict theenergy requirements at smaller time intervals.

On an hourly, daily, etc. period, the CPU 14 will update its weatherparameter such as predicted wind speeds and/or predicted sunshineintensity, as for example as a weighted valve calculated by one or moreof time of year, period of each system 10 based upon third party weatherreporting API. The predictive model will only force changes at the lightpole 20/device level when the amount of storage fails to meet theanticipated load profile and the battery charging profile required tomaintain the load profile. In such a case, the CPU 14 provides a controlsignal to the light pole array 12 requesting a profile change to extendenergy storage. The CPU 14 signals will also include recommendedprogramming changes based on the inventory of the attached energygeneration devices (solar panels 28 a, 28 b, wind turbines 30, etc.), aswell as available battery or power storage facilities.

In addition, the owner/operator of multiple systems 10 can indicate tothe CPU 14 which arrays 12 and/or individual light poles 20 have ahigher priority than others (security cameras, for example). Thisinformation is used by the CPU to weight the operational performance ofthe light poles having regard to similar weather and/or seasonalconditions and to control that a selected remote light pole 20 or devicechanges its operating parameters for energy conservation. In onepossible mode, a security camera could be kept online as long aspossible whilst other loads in the array 12 such as lighting could bedimmed and/or disabled entirely (weather sensors, etc.).

While FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred light pole 20 which includes aselectric loads a pair of LED lights 26 a, 26 b, the invention is not solimited. Reference may be had to FIG. 5 which illustrates a light pole20 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, in whichlike reference numerals are used identify like elements.

In FIG. 5, the light pole 20 is provided with a single LED light 26. Inaddition, as further load sources, the pole 20 is used to mount one ortwo video sensing cameras 52, one or two Infrared Light Sensors (likelywith Photocell) 50, one or two Motion Detectors, and separate wirelessrouter for redundant and/or secure communications. It is to beappreciated that in the embodiment shown, the communications andmonitoring controller 42 is used to provide control signals to andreceive control signals from the infrared light 50, the motion detectorand the security camera 52, as well as receive and transmit to the datastorage repository 16 and or directly to the CPU 14 video images therefrom.

It is believed that incorporating light poles 20 of the type shown inFIG. 5 within the light pole array 12 advantageously may be used toprovide off grid security.

FIG. 6 shows schematically the pole communications and monitoringcontroller 42 as being operable to receive data signals from the sensors32 a, 32 b, 34, 44, 46 and provide control signals to regulate thesupply of charging current from power generation produced by thephotovoltaic panels 28 a, 28 b and the wind generator 30 to the fuelcell 38, as well as battery status and the discharge supply currenttherefrom to the video sensing cameras 52, infrared light sensors 50,and motion detectors. Although not essential, most preferably, thecommunications and monitoring controller 42 further includes signaltransmission and reception capability allowing the communication and/ortransmission of data and programming respecting the operating parametersof the pole 20, fuel cell 38 and/or load conditions between adjacentpoles 20 within the pole array 12, as well as information captured bythe sensing cameras 52, infrared sensors 50 and motion detectors, byeither Ethernet or serial USB connections.

Although the detailed description describes the system 10 as used in theremote monitoring and control of an array of combination solar and windpowered lampposts, the invention is not so limited. It is to beappreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the system 10 couldincorporate a variety of other autonomous solar powered, wind powered,other direct current or alternating current power sources and/orgrid-powered devices providing a load. Such devices could includewithout restriction, electrically powered security cameras, radio orcellular transmitters, parking and/or utility meters, monitoringstations traffic lights, display boards or the like.

In still a further embodiment of the invention, the system could beprovided with autonomous electricity generating wind turbines and/orother power generation sources in addition to, or in place of, thephotovoltaic powered light poles, without departing from the currentinvention.

Although the detailed description describes and illustrates variouspreferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited strictly to the precise constructions, which are disclosed.Modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in theart.

1. A system for monitoring and controlling an operating status ofelectrical loads and operating parameters of a plurality of autonomouslypowered discrete devices, said discrete devices being disposed as partof an array located at a first geographic region, the system furtherincluding a processing device provided in a second geographic regionremote from said first region, each discrete device comprising at leastone associated electric load, a generator for generating electricity, abattery for storing electricity produced by said generator and providingelectric power to said at least one associated load, a device controllerfor regulating or controlling a flow of electric power from saidgenerator to said battery and from said battery to said at least oneassociated load, and a data transmission assembly operable to receiveinput control signals for said device controller and transmit outputdata representative of the operating parameters of the power generationperformance, the battery storage or discharge performance and the atleast one associated load, memory for storing said output data of eachsaid discrete device in said array, the processing device being actuableto: receive for a future period of time at least one of predictednear-term weather data for said first geographic region comprisingpredicted weather forecast data for upto three weeks, and predictiveseasonal forecast data for said first geographic region, compile saidoutput data stored in said memory to determine a regional operatingprofile for said array for at least one of average power generationperformance and average battery storage or discharge performance over aselected monitored period of time, compile said output data stored insaid memory to determine a device operating profiles for a selected oneof said discrete devices for at least one of device power generationperformance, and device battery storage or discharge performance oversaid selected monitored period of time, wherein the selected monitoredperiod of time is associated with the future period of time on the basisof environmental conditions, compare at least one said regionaloperating profile and at least one of said device operating profiles,and output a control signal to the device controller of the selecteddiscrete device, wherein the control signal is selected to control atleast one of flow of electric power to said battery and flow of electricpower from said battery to said at least one associated load during saidfuture period of time based on the comparison of the device operatingprofile and the regional operating profile over the monitored period oftime.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each discrete device includes aplurality of said electric loads, the electric loads comprising at leastone of an LED light, a security camera, a bicycle charging stand, orparking meter, a video sensing camera, a motion detector and an infraredlight sensor.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the selected monitoredperiod of time is associated with the future period of time based onlike weather events, the control signals output to the device controllerbeing operable to effect said device controller to vary power outputfrom said battery to said at least one associated load on a weightedbasis, based on said device power generation performance and/or averagepower generation performance over said selected monitored period oftime.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the generatorcomprises a combination wind/solar generator including at least one windturbine and at least one solar panel.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the discrete devices comprise solar poweredlamp posts and the at least one associated load includes at least onelight.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said discrete device includesan environmental sensor for generating environmental data, theprocessing device being operable to compile said output data based onsaid environmental data, and wherein the output device control signalsto the selected discrete device is weighted based on the environmentaldata.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The system as claimed in claim 1,wherein environmental conditions comprise at least one like weatherevent selected from the group consisting of sun position, temperature,UV intensity, fog, snow, wind intensity and cloud cover, and saidprocessing device is further operable to effect the transmission of saidcontrol signal to the device controller to modify at least one operatingconfiguration selected from the group consisting of a configuration ofsaid generator, a charging schedule of said battery, a level of powerflowing to said at least one associated load, and an operating scheduleof said associated load, based on at least one of the regional operatingprofile over the selected monitored period and the device operatingprofile over the selected monitored period of time.
 12. (canceled) 13.The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output control signal isselected to provide a distinction between operation anomalies resultingfrom environmental conditions and operation anomalies that result of ahardware failure.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said discrete devices are selected from the group consisting ofsolar light poles, parking meters, charging stations, bike rentalplatforms, display boards, environmental sensors, and telecommunicationinstallations.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at leastone of said discrete devices in said array further comprisesenvironmental sensors for detecting at least one environmental parameterselected from the group consisting of temperature, air movement, andlight intensity, said data transmission assembly being further operableto transmit data representative of said environmental parameters forstorage in said memory.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled) 20.The system as claimed in claim 38, wherein said predetermined thresholddifference is adjustable on the basis of one or more of a seasonalperformance history of the array, a seasonal performance history of theselected discrete device and/or an operating history of the discretedevices.
 21. A monitoring system for a solar light installation, thesystem comprising, a solar light array comprising a plurality ofdiscretely powered solar light poles operationally disposed in a firstgeographic region, a processing assembly being disposed in a secondgeographic region remote from said first region, and memory, each solarlight pole having a power generator including at least one photovoltaicpanel, a light providing an electrical load, a battery for receiving andstoring electricity generated by the photovoltaic panel, a polecontroller for controlling the power charging and discharge of thebattery and at least one of the operating time and intensity of saidlight, at least one sensor for sensing weather events selected from thegroup consisting of an anemometer, a photovoltaic sensor, a pollutionsensor, a wind vane, an environmental sensor and a battery temperaturesensor, and a data transmission assembly operable to wirelessly receiveinput control signals for said pole controller and communicate outputdata both from said at least one sensor and data representative of thepower generator performance and battery charging and dischargeperformance, the memory provided for storing the output data for eachlight pole in the solar light array, the processing assembly beingactuable to: receive for a future period of time predicted near-termweather data for said first geographic region, wherein said near-termweather data comprises predictive weather data for upto about threeweeks, compile said output data stored in said memory to determine aregional operating profile for said array for at least one of aggregatepower generation performance and aggregate battery storage or dischargeperformance over a selected period of time, said regional operatingprofile being stored in said memory as a predictive regional profileweighted by said sensed weather events, compile said output data storedin said memory to determine a device operating profiles for a selectedone of said light poles for at least one of device power generationperformance, and device battery storage or discharge performance oversaid selected period of time, said device operating profile being storedin said memory as a predictive device profile weighted by said sensedweather events, associate the selected period of time with the futureperiod of time on the basis of like weather events, and output a controlsignal to the selected light pole pole controller to vary at least oneof the power charging and discharge of the battery and the operatingtime and/or intensity of the light during said future period of time,based on at least one of the predictive regional profile and thepredictive device profile, compare at least one said regional operatingprofile and at least one said device operating profile, and output adata signal if the compared device operating profile falls outside apredetermined threshold difference from the at least one said regionaloperating profile, the data signal being indicative of a potentialmaintenance requirement for said selected discrete device. 22.(canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. The monitoring system of claim 21, whereinthe solar powered light array comprises at least ten said light poles,and said first geographic region comprises an area of at least 0.5hectares, the processing assembly and memory being disposed atgeographic regions at least 100 km from the first geographic region. 25.A system for monitoring an operating status of a plurality ofautonomously powered discrete devices, devices selected from one or moreof the group consisting of light poles, security camera installations,parking meters, charging stations, bike rental platforms, displayboards, environmental sensors, and telecommunication installations, saiddiscrete devices being disposed in an array located at a firstgeographic region, the system further including a processing assemblyprovided at a second geographic region remote from said first region,each discrete device comprising a plurality of associated electricloads, a generator for generating electricity, a battery for storingelectricity produced by said generator and providing electric power tosaid plurality of loads, a device controller for controlling a flow ofcharging electric power from said generator to said battery anddischarge power from said battery to said electric loads, and a datatransmission assembly, the data transmission assembly being operable totransmit output data representative of the operating parameters of thepower generation performance of the generator, the storage or dischargeperformance of the battery and the load status of the associatedelectric loads, memory for storing said output data from each saiddiscrete device in said array, and the processing assembly is operableto: compile said output data stored in said memory to determine regionaloperating profiles for at least one of aggregate power generationperformance of said array and aggregate battery storage or dischargeperformance of said array over a selected period of time, compile saidoutput data stored in said memory to determine device operating profilesfor a selected one of said discrete devices for at least one of devicepower generation performance of the selected device, and device batterystorage or discharge performance for the selected device over saidselected period of time, compare at least one said regional operatingprofile and at least one said device operating profile, and output adata signal if the compared device operating profile falls outside apredetermined threshold difference from the at least one said regionaloperating profile, wherein said processing assembly is actuable toreceive environmental data selected from the group consisting ofpredictive near-term weather data for the first geographic region andpredictive seasonal environmental data for the first geographic region,and wherein said processing device further outputs a programming signalto the data transmission assembly of each discrete device to effect achange in the flow of charging electric power and/or discharge powerfrom the battery in response to said received environmental data, andwherein said programming signal is weighted based on said environmentaldata and at least one of said regional operating profile and said deviceoperating profile.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the electricloads comprise at least one of an LED light, a security camera, abicycle charging stand, a parking meter, a display, and a wirelesstelecommunication transmitter, and the aggregate power generationperformance and/or aggregate battery storage or discharge performance iscalculated as one or more of an average performance, a mean performance,a median performance, and a projected trend performance.
 27. (canceled)28. The system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the memory stores furtheroutput data representative of the operating parameters of the powergeneration performance, battery storage and/or battery dischargeperformance of a plurality of said discrete devices provided in afurther array, said further array being disposed at a third geographiclocation remote from both of said first and second geographic locations,the processing assembly being actuable to compile said further outputdata to determine additional regional operating profiles for saidfurther array, and compare the additional regional operating profilesand at least one of said regional operating profile and the compareddevice operating profile.
 29. The system as claimed in claim 25, whereinsaid processing assembly is operable to effect the transmission of saidprogramming signals to the data transmission assembly of each discretedevice to modify at least one operating configuration selected from thegroup consisting of a configuration of said generator, a chargingschedule of said battery, a level of power flowing to at least one saidassociated loads, and an operating schedule of at least one of saidassociated loads.
 30. The system as claimed in claim 25, wherein saidoutput data signal is selected to provide a distinction betweenoperation anomalies in said discrete device resulting from environmentalconditions and operation anomalies that result of a hardware failure.31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)
 35. Themonitoring system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said processingassembly being actuable to receive and/or store predictive seasonalenvironmental data for said first geographic region, wherein saidprocessing assembly outputs a control signal said data transmissionassembly to transmit programming signals to said selected light polepole controller in response to said predictive seasonal environmentaldata.
 36. The system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said processingassembly is actuable to receive predictive seasonal environmental datafor the first geographic region, and wherein said processing assemblyfurther outputs programming signals to the data transmission assembly ofeach discrete device to effect a change in the regional operatingprofile for said array in response to said predictive seasonalenvironmental data.
 37. A maintenance monitoring system for monitoringan operating status of electrical loads and operating parameters of aplurality of autonomously powered discrete devices, said discretedevices being disposed as part of an array located at a first geographicregion, the system further including a processing device provided in asecond geographic region remote from said first region, each discretedevice comprising at least one associated electric load, a generator forgenerating electricity, a battery for storing electricity produced bysaid generator and providing electric power to said at least oneassociated load, a device controller for regulating or controlling aflow of electric power from said generator to said battery and from saidbattery to said at least one associated load, at least one sensor forsensing weather events, and a data transmission assembly operable totransmit output data both from the at least one sensor andrepresentative of the operating parameters of each the power generationperformance, the battery storage or discharge performance and the atleast one associated load, the data transmission assembly being operableto receive input control signals to at least one said discrete device toeffect a change in said flow of electricity by said device controller,memory for storing said output data of each said discrete device in saidarray, the processing device being actuable to: compile said sensedweather events as environmental data, receive for a future period oftime at least one of predicted near-term weather data for said firstgeographic region, wherein said near-term weather data comprisespredictive weather data for upto about three weeks, and predictiveseasonal weather data for said first geographic region, compile saidoutput data stored in said memory to determine a regional operatingprofile for said array for at least one of average power generationperformance and average battery storage or discharge performance over aselected period of time, said regional operating profile being stored insaid memory as a predictive regional profile weighted by said sensedweather events, compile said output data stored in said memory todetermine device operating profiles for a selected one of said discretedevices for at least one of device power generation performance, anddevice battery storage or discharge performance over said selectedperiod of time, said device operating profile being stored in saidmemory as a predictive device profile weighted by said sensed weatherevents, compare at least one said regional operating profile and atleast one said device operating profile, output said input controlsignals to the selected discrete device in response to at least one ofthe compared at least one regional operating profile and the at leastone device operating profile, and associate the selected period of timewith future period of time on the basis of weather events, and whereinbased on at least one of the predictive regional profile and thepredictive device profile, output said modified input control signals tothe selected discrete device to vary at least one of the power chargingand discharge of the battery during said future period of time.
 38. Thesystem as claimed in claim 37, wherein the processing device receivessaid predicted near-term weather data comprising predicted weatherevents for upto three weeks, said predicted weather events and saidsensed weather events being weather events at said first geographicregion selected from the group consisting of sun position, temperature,UV intensity, fog intensity, snowfall, wind intensity and cloudcoverage.
 39. The monitoring system of claim 1, said processing assemblybeing operable to: compile output data stored in memory to determine acurrent regional operating profile for said array for aggregate batterystorage or discharge performance during said future period; compileoutput data stored in said memory to determine for the selected discretedevice a current device operating profile for battery storage ordischarge performance during said future period; compare the currentregional operating profile and the current device operating profile; andoutput a data signal if the compared current device operating profilefalls outside a predetermined threshold difference from the currentregional operating profile, the data signal being indicative ofmaintenance or control adjustment requirement for the selected discretedevice.
 40. The monitoring system of claim 21, wherein said processingassembly being operable to compile output data stored in memory todetermine a current regional operating profile for said array foraggregate battery storage or discharge performance during said futureperiod, compile output data stored in said memory to determine for theselected light pole a current device operating profile for batterystorage or discharge performance during said future period, compare thecurrent regional operating profile and the current device operatingprofile, and output a data signal if the compared current deviceoperating profile falls outside a predetermined threshold differencefrom the current regional operating profile, the data signal beingindicative of maintenance requirement for the selected light pole.